Despeñaperros is a natural mountain pass connecting Andalucia with Castilla la Mancha through the Sierra Morena mountain range. The rock structure forms a dramatic landscape with vertical cliffs and unusual rock formations. Los Organos is one such formation of quartzite rock taking the form of giant organ tubes.
The Sierra de Andujar natural park is located in the central part of the Sierra Morena and is a semi-mountainous area with peaks ranging between 500 to 1290m, the highest peak being Burcio del Pino.
The Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park occupies part of the eastern Sierra Morena in northern Córdoba province. Its landscape is characterised by gently rolling hills, open dehesa woodland, Mediterranean scrub and extensive granite outcrops. These large rounded granite formations, locally known as bolos, are a distinctive feature of the area.
The highest point is La Colmena, at 828 metres. The park borders the province of Jaén, where the deeply dissected valley of the River Yeguas separates it from the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park. Holm oak and cork oak woodland, cultivated land and natural scrub create a varied landscape that supports an important range of Mediterranean wildlife.
Hornachuelos Natural Park protects the eastern end of the Sierra Morena in Córdoba province, forming part of a wider belt of protected landscapes that stretches westwards into Seville and Huelva. The neighbouring Sierra Norte de Sevilla and Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche natural parks continue this protected area across the provincial boundaries.
Rather than high mountain peaks, Hornachuelos is characterised by rolling hills, extensive oak woodland and river valleys. The Bembézar River and its reservoir cut through the centre of the park, creating an important feature of its landscape. These wooded slopes and relatively undisturbed habitats provide refuge for notable wildlife, including black vultures, black storks, Bonelli’s eagles and the elusive Iberian lynx.